The Salt Valley of Añana, a natural jewel to discover in Alava

The gaze remains captivated, attracted by the sublime view that unfolds over more than 13 hectares that represent the Añana Salt Valley. For more than 7,500 years, salt workers have evolved in harmony with nature, creating over time a unique cultural landscape 30 km from Vitoria-Gasteiz. Immerse yourself in the heart of a history as surprising as it is captivating, that of the Añana Salt Valley.

The Salinas de Añana Salt Valley, a spectacular landscape adorned with white

Salt is at the heart of the history of this magnificent valley, which has been built over time. Also known as white gold, this precious treasure is at the origin of the oldest salt factory in operation in the world. which is also the best preserved in Europe. Formed in the open air, this outdoor landscape presents an unusual architecture, the result of the labor of salt workers who structure evaporation terraces in dry stone, wood and clay. Wooden canals complete these impressive platforms, allowing salt water to circulate naturally from the springs to the wells. The secret of this pure salt with its bright color? A curious phenomenon called Diapiro which brings out from within the earth the salt of an ancient sea more than 200 million years old.

Añana salt, a meticulous production by passionate salt workers

It takes patience, wisdom and a lot of love to obtain a quality salt like that of the Añana Valley, with its frank and rather intense taste. For thousands of years, people have taken the time to understand nature and adapt to climatic conditions to produce a 100% natural and ecological salt, a process that takes place most of the time from May to September, a sunny period conducive to the evaporation of water and crystallization.

The Añana Salt Valley, a unique experience to be enjoyed in the oldest town in the Basque Country

Enjoy a unique day in the heart of the white gold of Añana, discovering its breathtaking cultural landscapes and its unique biodiversity that delights nature and geology lovers. Several options are available depending on your desires, let yourself be guided.

Visiting the Salt Valley

It invites you to discover the entire salt flat to understand the formation of this unique landscape, its recovery process and the secrets of the production of Añana salt. After the visit, you can enjoy the outdoor salt spa and soak your hands and feet in the hyper-saline waters of the springs. Duration 1 hour

The Saltwater Springs Trail

This is a route that allows you to visit the natural brine springs and admire the ingenious hydraulic system of wooden canals that transports the salt water to the terraces by gravity. You travel 400 meters in the shade of the crystallization areas with a breathtaking view of the unique architecture of the Añana Salt Valley. Duration 1h30

Virtual Reality + Salt Valley

This dual experience is absolutely incredible ! In an immersive reality projection room, you become a small drop of water traveling from the bowels of the Earth to become brine, before projecting yourself alongside a salt worker who presents the salt harvest and the unique virtues of Añana Salt. A short walking tour of the salt flats concludes this dive into the heart of the salt flats. Duration 1 hour (30 minutes of virtual reality and 30 minutes of visiting the salt flats)

Salt Valley + tasting

The discovery of the salt pans and salt production is followed by a tasting of Añana Salt, considered one of the best salts in the world. Mineral salt, fleur de sel, liquid salt and chuzo, the white gold will no longer hold any secrets for you after an analysis based on a method developed by the Sensory Analysis Laboratory of the University of the Basque Country. Duration 1h30

Family workshops

Young and old alike are delighted to share unique moments of complicity in the Alava town of Salinas de Añana. Each month, a new theme is addressed to understand the wealth, biodiversity and incredible landscapes of the valley between gastronomy, paleontology, geology and the traditional crafts of the old saltworks. Duration 1 hour

The salt worker's workshop

With your feet in the water, you are the salt worker for the day, whose mission is to participate in all stages of the production of Añana Salt. Armed with professional tools such as the basket roller or the trebuchet, you will be at the heart of the areas in a saline zone specially designed to welcome families and school groups. This activity is only accessible during the salt season in summer. Duration 1 hour

Adapted tours, virtual tours, and other varied experiences are also offered at the Añana Salt Valley to discover the most unique architectural, panoramic, archaeological, geological, and historical sites in the world.

The added bonus ? The opportunity to immerse your feet and hands in the hyper-saline water spa from the springs between April and October, an unusual experience to experience the beneficial effects of salt water.

The Añana Salt Valley still has many secrets in store for you, come and discover them all year round! A word of advice: bring your camera to immortalize the valley's unforgettable landscapes.

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